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Antique William IV Kingwood End Support Library Desk

In the annals of antique furniture, certain pieces stand out for their exquisite materials and craftsmanship, serving as a testament to the eras they represent. The William IV kingwood pedestal writing table, hailing from circa 1835 England, is one such artifact. It epitomizes the pinnacle of refinement in furniture making during a time when attention to detail and quality of material were paramount.

The table’s surface is a study in the subtle opulence that characterized the early 19th century. It features a rectangular top with elegantly curved corners, offering a gentle counterpoint to the strict lines that often define furniture forms. This surface is not merely functional but also an exhibition of the rich, complex grain patterns of kingwood—a timber reserved for the highest quality works due to its beauty and rarity. Its use here speaks of the status and sophistication of the piece.

Veneered throughout with kingwood, the writing table showcases this wood’s deep, rich hue and fine texture, characteristics that have long made it sought after by connoisseurs and craftsmen alike. In the 17th century, kingwood was known as ‘Princes wood’, a nod to its exclusivity and cost. That this writing table is fashioned almost entirely from such a material indicates it was intended for a patron of considerable means and exquisite taste.

The table is fitted with two functional drawers and two dummies, a design that maintains aesthetic symmetry while providing practical storage space. The drawers are likely to have held the precious writing accouterments of the time—quills, inkwells, and parchment—serving a writer’s needs while enhancing the room’s visual appeal.

Supporting the table’s top are solid kingwood end supports, showcasing the wood’s durability and strength. The end supports are connected by a turned stretcher, a feature that not only stabilizes the structure but also adds an element of design sophistication. The platform base, adorned with gadrooned bun feet, adds to the piece’s stability and aesthetic charm, grounding the delicate beauty of kingwood in a firm foundation.

This William IV writing table stands as more than a functional library table; it is a piece of history, a snapshot of the luxury and elegance that defined its time. Measuring 75cm in height, 120.5cm in width, and 68cm in depth, it presents a sizeable canvas of craftsmanship. In it, we see a reflection of the era’s values—where beauty was harmonized with function, and the materials spoke as clearly of status as the craftsmanship itself.

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Please email us or call +44 (0)207 6920 897

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Antique William IV Kingwood End Support Library Desk

Stock Number: 6281

A rare and very fine William IV kingwood pedestal writing table. The rectangular top with curved corners, fitted with two drawers on one side and two dummies on the other. The desk veneered throughout with kingwood. The top is supported on solid kingwood end supports with a turned stretcher and raised on a platform base with gadrooned bun feet.

£19,900

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Dimensions

Approximate Dimensions

  • Height: 75 cm (29.5 inches)
  • Width: 120.5 cm (47.4 inches)
  • Depth: 68 cm (26.8 inches)

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Our description of any item on the website, any condition report and any other statement made by us (whether orally or in writing) about any item, including about its nature or condition, artist, period, materials, approximate dimensions, or provenance are our opinion and not to be relied upon as a statement of fact.

Returns

In the UK Online sales of this kind are known as ‘distance selling’. We offer a refund to customers if you’ve told us within 3 days of receiving the goods that you want to cancel. You have another 14 days to return the goods once you’ve told us of your intention. A refund will be issued within 14 days of receiving the goods back in the same condition. Return shipping should be the same level as received with insurance, we recommend using the same shipper at your cost. If needed we will help organise suitable shipping.

We will refund the purchase price, excluding delivery costs and taxes, within 14 days of the safe receipt of items in the same condition as supplied. The liability for any damage incurred during transit will remain with the sender. We recommend that adequate insurance is placed on items when returning them to us.

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We extend these Return terms to our international clients.

Delivery Options

We will ship worldwide however the costs vary between countries so please email us for a quote. Depending on the item we will recommend the most suitable method.

Our preferred international shipping methods include fine art shippers Gander and White, Art Logistics, Cadogan Tate for items over £5,000. For Fedex, DHL or UPS shipments we expertly pack in-house in wooden crates or heavy duty cardboard – Suitable for most items under £5000. If you have your own shippers we are very happy to coordinate with them.

INSURANCE

All items are sent fully insured at the invoice value.

LOCAL TAXES

All items are inclusive of all local taxes but may be subject to additional charges for importation and taxes local to the client. Antiques are zero-rated to the USA, all items ship with the correct paperwork. While we are not liable for these additional charges we do encourage clients to research these prior to purchasing items from us. We will make a full value disclosure, as required by the insurance, on all items sent overseas. This is required to ensure proper insurance cover in sending valuable items.

EXPORT LICENCES & CITES

Where required we will oversee the completion of all export licenses for high-value items. We will also arrange for CITES paperwork for materials of endangered species including ivory, tortoiseshell, stuffed birds etc.

DELIVERY TIMES

This is dependent on the size and value of the object, all items are checked over and polished before shipping and will generally have wooden crates made. This all takes time so expect 10 – 20 working days for delivery unless the item is small in which case 2-3 days from order.

CUSTOMS

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INSURANCE VALUATION

All our antiques now also come with an invoice as a Valuation Certificate for insurance purposes.